Carol Kirkwood: BBC Breakfast weather presenter to leave after 25 years

Carol Kirkwood: BBC Breakfast weather presenter to leave after 25 years

After more than 25 years with the BBC, weather presenter Carol Kirkwood announced her departure from the corporation, becoming visibly emotional as she shared the news. At 63 years old, Kirkwood embraced BBC Breakfast hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent while expressing how difficult the decision was, especially because of her deep affection for her role. She is set to leave the BBC in April, reflecting on her time delivering the daily weather forecasts as “an absolute privilege.”

Following her usual morning weather update, Kirkwood joined her co-presenters on the BBC Breakfast sofa to discuss her future plans. She spoke candidly about her excitement to dedicate more time to her husband, Steve, with whom she married a couple of years ago. Their busy schedules often kept them apart, and now she looks forward to traveling and spending precious moments together. Kirkwood admitted, “I’ve loved my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job,” emphasizing the personal reasons behind her departure.

During the farewell moment, Kirkwood became emotional, telling Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, “I didn’t want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly.” She also touched on the lighter side of leaving early morning broadcasts behind, joking about no longer having to hear alarm clocks or know what a lie-in feels like. She acknowledged the difficulty of the choice but felt it was the right time to step away, holding onto “the most wonderful memories” from her career at the BBC.

Carol Kirkwood’s journey with the BBC began in 1998 after completing meteorological training at The Weather Channel, the Met Office, and within the BBC itself. She initially presented on the BBC News channel before becoming a regular face on BBC One, eventually securing her role as the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast in 2010. Beyond daily forecasts, Kirkwood frequently presented on location at major events including Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and various royal occasions. She also appeared on The One Show and showcased her talents on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, reaching week eight alongside professional dancer Pasha Kovalev.

Throughout her career, Kirkwood has earned multiple accolades, including several TV and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards as best TV weather presenter. Jonathan Munro, interim CEO of BBC News, praised her “exceptional” impact, highlighting her consistent delivery of accurate and engaging weather journalism. Munro remarked that she set “the gold standard” and noted how greatly she will be missed within the BBC family, extending best wishes for her future endeavors

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